owing Guide: What Vehicles Can Be Flat Towed Behind an RV?

This article provides a comprehensive towing guide for individuals looking to flat tow their vehicles. Whether you’re an experienced RVer or just starting, understanding the ins and outs of flat towing can save you time, money, and potential headaches. This guide dives deep into which vehicles can be flat towed, the necessary equipment, and how to ensure a safe and successful towing experience. It’s a must-read for anyone considering taking their vehicle behind an RV.

What is Flat Towing and Why is it Popular for RV Enthusiasts?

Flat towing, also known as “dinghy towing” or “four-down towing,” involves towing a vehicle behind your motorhome with all four wheels of the towed vehicle on the ground. This method is popular among RV enthusiasts because it eliminates the need for a trailer or tow dolly, making it more convenient and easier to maneuver. Towing a vehicle using the flat tow method allows you to bring your car behind your RV, providing freedom to explore your destination without being limited by the size of your motorhome. However, not all vehicles can be flat towed, so it’s crucial to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a reliable towing guide.

Can Electric Vehicles Be Flat Towed?

One of the most common questions is whether electric vehicles (EVs) can be flat towed. The simple answer is that most electric vehicles cannot be flat-towed due to their unique transmission designs. EVs often lack a true neutral gear that would allow the wheels to spin freely without engaging the electric motor. Flat towing an EV could potentially damage its drivetrain. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or a professional before attempting to flat tow any electric car.

What are the Best Vehicles for Flat Towing?

The best vehicles for flat towing are typically those equipped with a manual transmission or a four-wheel-drive system that allows for a neutral transmission setting. Models like the Ford F-150 (with specific configurations), certain Jeep models, and some Subaru vehicles are among the popular vehicles known to be flat towable. It’s essential to check the recreational towing section of your owner’s manual to determine if your specific vehicle is suitable for flat towing. The manual will specify whether the vehicle can be towed behind an RV and any necessary procedures, such as putting the transfer case in neutral.

How Do I Determine if My Vehicle is Suitable for Flat Towing?

Determining if your vehicle is suitable for flat towing involves checking several key factors. First, consult your owner’s manual. The manual will provide specific instructions and limitations for towing your vehicle. Look for terms like “dinghy towing,” “recreational towing,” or “four-down towing.” You can also contact the manufacturer or a certified dealer. They can offer expert advice based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Remember, not all vehicles are designed for flat towing, and attempting to flat tow a vehicle not designed for it can result in severe damage.

What Equipment Do I Need for Flat Towing?

Flat towing requires specific equipment to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Key pieces of equipment include:

• Tow bar: This connects the RV to the towed vehicle. Blue Ox tow bars are a popular choice among RVers.
• Baseplate: Installed on the frame of the towed vehicle, it provides a secure attachment point for the tow bar.
• Safety cables: These act as a backup in case the tow bar fails.
• Wiring harness: This synchronizes the towed vehicle‘s lights with the RV.
• Auxiliary brake systems: Many states require these brake systems for towed vehicles over a certain weight. They enhance safety by ensuring the towed vehicle brakes in unison with the RV.

These different pieces of equipment ensure a reliable towing setup.

How to Set Up Your Vehicle for Flat Towing?

Setting up your vehicle for flat towing involves several critical steps:

1. Install the Baseplate: Have a professional install the baseplate on your vehicle‘s frame to ensure a secure connection.
2. Attach the Tow Bar: Connect the tow bar to the baseplate and the RV‘s hitch receiver. Ensure it is securely locked in place.
3. Connect Safety Cables: Attach the safety cables from the RV to the vehicle‘s frame, providing a backup in case of tow bar failure.
4. Install the Wiring Harness: Connect the vehicle‘s lighting system to the RV using a wiring harness, ensuring brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights are synchronized.
5. Install the Auxiliary Brake System: If required, install an auxiliary brake system to ensure the towed vehicle brakes simultaneously with the RV.

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flat Towing?

Flat towing can be safe and convenient when done correctly, but several common mistakes can lead to damage or accidents. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Exceeding Towing Capacities: Always ensure that your RV‘s towing capacities are not exceeded by the weight of the vehicle you intend to tow. Overloading can strain your RV‘s transmission and engine.
• Improper Tow Bar Setup: Incorrectly attaching or failing to secure the tow bar can lead to dangerous situations. Double-check all connections and locks before towing.
• Neglecting Auxiliary Brake Systems: In many states, auxiliary brake systems are mandatory for towed vehicles over a certain weight. Skipping this critical safety feature can result in fines and increased risk of accidents.
• Forgetting Safety Cables: Safety cables are a backup, ensuring your towed vehicle stays connected to your RV even if the tow bar fails. Always use them.
• Ignoring State Laws: Towing regulations vary by state. Research and adhere to the specific requirements for each state you plan to travel through.

What is the Difference Between Flat Towing and Using a Tow Dolly or Trailer?

When it comes to towing a car or truck behind your RV, you have three primary options: flat towing, using a tow dolly, or a trailer. Flat towing (four-down towing) involves towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, using a tow bar to connect it to the RV. This method is convenient because it doesn’t require storing a trailer or tow dolly. It’s also generally easier to set up and maneuver. However, not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing.

Dolly towing involves lifting the front wheels of the towed vehicle onto a tow dolly while the rear wheels remain on the ground. This method is suitable for many front-wheel drive vehicles that are not flat towable. However, using a tow dolly adds complexity to the towing process, as you need to manage and store the dolly when not in use.

Trailer towing involves placing the entire vehicle onto a trailer, which is then towed behind the RV. This method is the most versatile, as it can accommodate any vehicle regardless of its transmission type or drive system. However, trailers are the most expensive option and require significant storage space.

What is a Wrecker Tow Truck?

A wrecker tow truck, often simply referred to as a tow truck, is a specialized vehicle designed to tow, recover, and transport disabled or improperly parked vehicles. Wrecker tow trucks are equipped with various features and tools to handle different types of vehicles and situations. There are several types of wrecker tow trucks, including:

• Boom: These trucks have an adjustable boom winch to recover vehicles from ditches, over embankments, or any other location where they cannot be safely backed up to.
• Wheel-lift: These tow trucks use a metal yoke that fits under the front or rear wheels of the vehicle being towed. The yoke is lifted hydraulically, raising the front or rear of the vehicle off the ground for towing.
• Flatbed: Flatbed tow trucks have a flat platform that can be hydraulically inclined and slid back to ground level, allowing the vehicle to be driven or winched onto the platform. They are ideal for towing severely damaged vehicles or those with all-wheel drive.
• Integrated: These are multi-functional trucks that combine the features of boom and wheel-lift trucks.

Wrecker tow trucks play a crucial role in roadside assistance, accident recovery, and vehicle repossession. They are essential for:

• Auto Repair Shops: For transporting vehicles that need repair.
• Car Dealerships: To move new or used cars between locations.
• Car Auction Houses: For transporting vehicles to and from auctions.
• Insurance Companies: To recover vehicles involved in accidents.
• Roadside Assistance Companies: To provide emergency towing services.
• Logistics and Transportation Companies: To manage fleet movements.
• Municipal Governments: For towing illegally parked or abandoned vehicles.
• Parking Lot Operators: To enforce parking regulations.
• Car Rental Companies: To transport rental vehicles.
• Fleet Management Companies: To handle vehicle maintenance and relocation.
• Equipment Rental Companies: To transport equipment to and from rental locations.

How Can Wrecker Tow Trucks Assist with Flat Towing?

While wrecker tow trucks are primarily designed for recovering and transporting disabled vehicles, they can also assist with situations related to flat towing. For instance, if a flat-towed vehicle experiences a mechanical failure and cannot continue to be towed safely, a wrecker tow truck can be called to transport the disabled vehicle to a repair shop. Additionally, if an RV owner encounters difficulties with their flat towing setup, such as a tow bar issue or a vehicle that cannot be properly disconnected, a wrecker tow truck can provide the necessary assistance.

Moreover, wrecker tow truck operators often have extensive knowledge of different vehicle types and towing methods. They can offer valuable advice and support to RV owners who are new to flat towing or facing challenges with their towing setup. In some cases, a wrecker tow truck may be used to transport a vehicle that is not suitable for flat towing to a location where it can be properly set up for towing or loaded onto a trailer or tow dolly.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of flat towing is essential for any RV owner looking to bring their vehicle along for the ride. From choosing the right tow bar and baseplate to ensuring your vehicle is set up correctly, every step is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. As a leading provider of wrecker tow trucks and towing solutions, we are committed to supporting our customers with top-quality products and expert advice. Whether you need a reliable tow truck for your auto repair shop or a specialized flatbed tow truck for your car dealership, we have the perfect solution for your needs.

Here are the most important things to remember:

• Not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing.
• Proper equipment, including a tow bar, baseplate, safety cables, and potentially an auxiliary brake system, is essential.
• Always consult your vehicle‘s owner’s manual and follow state regulations.
• Wrecker tow trucks can provide assistance with flat towing setups and transport disabled vehicles.
• Choosing between flat towing, using a tow dolly, or a trailer depends on your vehicle and preferences.
• We are here to support your towing needs with high-quality products and expert advice.

By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing our expertise, you can confidently embark on your next adventure, knowing that your vehicle is safely in tow. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, and let us help you make the most of your RV experience. Take a look at our Chengli Heavy Industry Water Tank Fire Truck, Furika Refueling Truck 8.5m³ Fuel Tank, 170HP Engine, High-End Refrigerated Truck, Zero-Emission Street Cleaning: Chengli Electric Sweeper, and the Chengli Brand – Dongfeng D7 Intelligent Asphalt Paver.